---
title: Driver Responsibility & Level 2 ADAS
---

# Driver Responsibility & Level 2 ADAS

!!! danger "You Are Always Responsible"
    sunnypilot is **NOT** a self-driving system. You are legally and morally responsible for the vehicle at all times. No feature in sunnypilot removes or reduces your obligation to drive safely.

## What is Level 2 ADAS

sunnypilot is classified as a **Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)** per the SAE J3016 standard for driving automation. The SAE levels define increasing degrees of automation:

| SAE Level | Name | Driver Role |
|-----------|------|-------------|
| 0 | No Automation | Driver performs all tasks |
| 1 | Driver Assistance | System controls steering OR speed, not both |
| **2** | **Partial Automation** | **System controls steering AND speed; driver must supervise** |
| 3 | Conditional Automation | System handles driving in limited scenarios; driver must be ready |
| 4–5 | High/Full Automation | System handles all driving tasks in defined conditions |

sunnypilot operates at **Level 2** only. It can control steering and speed simultaneously, but the human driver must remain fully engaged at all times.

## What This Means

At Level 2, the system provides assistance — not autonomy. Specifically:

- The system **can** control steering, acceleration, and braking simultaneously
- The system **cannot** handle unexpected situations, edge cases, or complex scenarios reliably
- The **driver** is the fallback for every situation the system cannot handle
- The **driver** bears full legal responsibility for the vehicle's operation

## Driver Obligations

As the operator of a Level 2 ADAS vehicle, you must:

- **Keep your hands on the steering wheel** at all times
- **Keep your eyes on the road** and maintain situational awareness
- **Be ready to intervene immediately** — the system can disengage or behave unexpectedly without warning
- **Follow all traffic laws** — the system does not replace your judgment or legal obligations
- **Never rely on the system** as a substitute for attentive driving

## NHTSA Guidance

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies Level 2 systems as requiring **full driver engagement**. NHTSA's position is clear:

- Level 2 systems are **driver support features**, not automated driving systems
- The driver must be able to perform the complete driving task at all times
- Manufacturers and operators share responsibility for safe use of these systems

For more information, see [NHTSA's guidance on automated vehicles](https://www.nhtsa.gov/technology-innovation/automated-vehicles-safety).

## Related Pages

- [Safety Information](safety.md) — General safety guidelines and system limitations
- [Prohibited Modifications](prohibited-modifications.md) — Modifications and uses that are not allowed
